Cheddar, Secrets, and Small-Town Bonds: My Review of Murder at the Summer Cheese Festival

Read time: 3 minutes

šŸ“±šŸ“– Read on Kindle
ā± Duration: 4 hours
šŸ·ļø Self-published
šŸ“š Genre: Cozy Mystery

book blurb:

In the charming town of Willow Bluff, newcomer Laura Evans dives into her new life at a cheese shop just in time for the Summer Cheese Festival. When her boss Maggie is accused of poisoning a rival cheesemaker, Laura teams up with her quirky landlady Evelyn Chan to uncover the truth. Amid cheese tastings, small-town secrets, and budding friendships, this cozy mystery serves up suspense with a side of dairy delights. Will Laura clear Maggie’s name before the festival curdles?

Let’s talk about the book:

This cozy mystery was a treat for both my mystery-loving heart and my cheese-loving brain. Think small-town charm, quirky cheese vendors, and a murder that doesn’t skimp on the gouda puns. From triple cremes to tangy Gouda, the cheese facts alone could make anyone a connoisseur.

Laura Evans made for an intriguing amateur sleuth. Despite being new to town, her loyalty to her community shines through, even when it means clashing with her mother. A newcomer with heart, grit, and a growing sense of belonging in her quirky town. Her loyalty to those she barely knows struck a chord. That theme of belonging and found family really resonated with me. The idea that home isn’t where you come from, but where you’re truly seen and valued, is so true and close to heart.

Laura’s connection with her boss Maggie and landlady Evelyn Chan felt genuine and warm, even when the murder mystery itself took a few abrupt turns. Sure, character arcs felt a tad patchy in spots, and some clues wrapped up quicker than a cheese platter vanishes at a party. But the warmth and witty banter kept me flipping pages, forgiving the minor hiccups in this delightful cozy mystery read.

Would i recommend it?

As a cozy mystery, it hits all the right notes: food, friendship, and just enough danger to make you keep the lights on a little longer. The sense of belonging Laura feels is something I could personally relate to. Once you find your place, it’s yours to defend, fiercely and lovingly. Perfect for fans of light suspense and dairy dreams

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If you like this…

You’ll love these delicious cozy mysteries:

  • Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower
    Candy shop transplant fights for her new home when murder sours the Amish village vibe. Heartwarming crew, small-town stakes, and caramel-coated clues.
  • Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien
    Set in a bustling Asian plaza, this cozy mystery serves up comfort food, friendship, and clever detective work
  • Live and Let Chai by Bree Bake
    Seaside tea shop owner brews trouble (and tea) to clear a friend’s name. Beachy found-family magic with just enough suspense to keep you steeping.
  • Do or Diner by Christine Wenger
    Trixie Matkowski’s return to her hometown and her family’s diner quickly turns into a recipe for mystery. Comfort food, camaraderie, and classic whodunit fun make this a perfect curl-up read.
  • Who Moved My Goat Cheese? by Lynn Cahoon
    Set in a small Idaho town, this delightful mystery follows Angie Turner, a farm-to-table chef whose fresh start curdles when murder strikes. A must for readers who loved the culinary aspect and humor of the cheese festival mystery.

Feeling Cheesy Yet? šŸ§€

If you could create your own festival mystery, what would the theme be: wine, chocolate, or books? Tell me in the comments!

Book links:

Amazon CA
Goodreads

Learn more about Cheddar, Secrets, and Small-Town Bonds: My Review of Murder at the Summer Cheese Festival

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